India’s ODI captain Shubman Gill reportedly missed the practice session ahead of the second ODI of the three-match series in Australia. After losing to the Mitchell Marsh-led side in the series opener, Gill became one of the few captains to lose their first match in T20 Internationals, ODIs and Tests.
The 26-year-old player has struggled against Australia in ODIs. Gill has scored 290 runs in nine matches at an average of 32.22 and a strike rate of 91.48, which includes one century and one half-century. The right-handed batsman managed to score just 10 runs from 18 balls in the series opener in Perth on Sunday, October 19.
Shubman Gill misses optional practice session ahead of 2nd ODI against Australia
According to Rohit Juglan of RevSportz, Shubman Gill missed a rare second practice session on the Australia tour. Juglan said Gill missed both the practice sessions before the series opener in Perth.
“Gill was not there. I don’t remember any tour where he missed two practice sessions. On the first day of the practice session in Perth, it is understandable that four or five players might miss a session due to a long flight or arriving early in the morning.”
“But Gill is one of the few players who is on the field consistently. It is very rare to see him miss two sessions. These are optional sessions, and we have seen him participate in them regularly.”
“I remember in Dubai, only he, Abhishek and Varun Chakraborty were part of the practice session. For this, every member of the support staff and throwdown experts had to be present. So, as far as Gill is concerned, it was a very rare opportunity.”
Ajit Agarkar and Gautam Gambhir in a long animated conversation with the backup opener #YashSweejayYaswal after #RohitSharma The team headed towards the hotel. Is this a sign of the future?@CricSubhayan And @rohitjuglan To discuss.@ThumsUpOfficial #AUSvIND #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/QZ6aVvYgdm
– RevSportz Global (@RevSportzGlobal) 22 October 2025
Shubman Gill in deep discussion with batting coach during training
However, on Tuesday, Shubman Gill worked closely with the batting coach to improve his technique. He was seen adjusting his footwork to handle different lengths, especially shorter-length balls.
The Punjab-born cricketer focused on exploring different scoring options like punch drives, compact pulls and alternating between singles and boundary shots.
Gill simulated real match situations, practicing power plays, strengthening the middle overs and running between the wickets under pressure. Notably, the session demonstrated their strategic preparation for the upcoming match at the Optus Stadium.
A glimpse of Shubman Gill’s net practice session today.
– @vimalava pic.twitter.com/Vl1wg6gHmE
– GillTheWill (@GillTheWill77) 21 October 2025
Shubman Gill joins Virat Kohli in unwanted list after losing debut ODI as captain
After India’s defeat in the first ODI against Australia, Shubman Gill became the second Indian captain after Virat Kohli to lose his first match in T20I, ODI and Test.
Gill made his T20I captaincy debut on July 6, 2024, against Zimbabwe, which India lost by 13 runs. His Test captaincy debut also ended in defeat, as India failed to defend 371 runs in the final innings against England at Headingley.
With two ODIs left in the series, Gill is aiming to get his first win as India’s ODI captain. In 56 ODIs, he has scored 2,785 runs at an average of 58.02, including eight centuries and 15 fifties, with a highest score of 208 against New Zealand.
Also read: Shaheen Afridi was dropped from Pakistan team just a day after being made ODI captain
